LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A Las Vegas woman will spend the rest of her life in prison after torturing and killing a 4-year-old boy with autism.
In court Wednesday, Clark County District Court Judge Michelle Leavitt sentenced Crystal Stephens, 48, to life in prison without the possibility of parole. In February, Stephens took a plea deal on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping resulting in substantial bodily harm, and child abuse. As part of the deal, she would no longer face the death penalty.
“This might be the worst child homicide I’ve ever had,” prosecutor Chris Hamner said Wednesday.
Stephens killed Brandon Steckler Jr. in 2018. Brandon, who loved ones called “Tuku,” had numerous bruises and burns to his body, and 27 rib fractures at the time of his death, according to Clark County prosecutors. The child also suffered from malnutrition, sepsis, pneumonia, and had methamphetamine in his system.
“I hope she feels in every moment the consequences of what she’s done because we feel them in every heartbeat,” Brandon’s grandmother, Synthia Mosley, told the court. “The hole his absence has left behind is as immeasurable as the love he gave so freely.”
Brandon’s father, Brandon Steckler Sr., said his son embodied pure happiness.
“He brought more than joy in this world; he was joy,” he said.
“I assure you, I take full responsibility for the loss of someone so precious to you,” Stephens told Brandon’s family in court. “I dedicate my life to your family and making that my priority.”
Brandon’s mother lived at a shelter and had asked Stephens to care for her son. Three weeks later, Stephens killed Brandon.
“I’m terribly sorry for my horrific actions,” Stephens said, crying as Leavitt sentenced her.
Investigators found drug residue and paraphernalia in the Stephens home after her arrest, documents said. Stephens called police, telling them Brandon had drowned.
The 8 News Now Investigators previously learned there were warning signs about both Brandon’s well-being and Stephens’. According to a state child welfare report, Child Protective Services was contacted five times about Steckler and/or his family. The report stated CPS investigated once and found the allegations to be unsubstantiated.
Stephens has remained in custody at the Clark County Detention Center since her arrest in 2018.
While Nevada has the death penalty, the state has not put a person to death since 2006.